Chicago HOPES for Kids is Named Winner of Chicago Innovation Award

​By: Alexandra Kirchner, Development Administrator

​Chicago, IL— Chicago HOPES for Kids is honored to have been named one of the Neighborhood Innovation Award winners for their COVID-19 Virtual Academic Support. The winners were announced at this year’s virtual event held on Monday, October 19th.

​Students experiencing homelessness have been particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis because they regularly lack access to the internet, computers, and other resources vital to remote learning. In partnership with the Reva David Logan Foundation, Chicago HOPES forKids distributed WiFi hotspots, tablets, and ChromeBook laptops,as well as virtual academic programming to families living in homeless shelters across the city during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. As students transition to remote learning this fall, we are continuing to provide
virtual resources and socially-distanced in-person programs to ensure students remain on track and encouraged while they are unable to attend school. By providing targeted support for one of the most vulnerable populations of students in Chicago, we are helping prevent them from falling further behind, providing access to greater future opportunity, and closing the digital divide.

“In this year of a global pandemic, innovation is needed now more than ever,” said Tom Kuczmarski, co-founder with Chicago journalist Dan Miller of the awards. “2020 winners are solving big problems in healthcare, community and workforce development, education, finance, agriculture, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, drug development, business services, and more.”

​“Thank you Chicago Innovation for this honor.” said Chicago HOPES for Kids Board President, Tonya Rice. “This award means a tremendous amount to our organization and will help make a real impact for children and families experiencing homelessness.”

​The complete list of this year’s Chicago Innovation Award winners can be found at
www.chicagoinnovation.com.